BTI Continuing Education Workshops
The Magic of Hot Stone Massage:
Integrating an Ancient Healing Tradition into your Practice
with John McKelvey, MA, LMBT
Three Thursdays from 9:30am-5:30pm: August 5, August 19 & September 2
21 continuing education contact hours | $445 | practitioners only
Hot Stone Therapy is one of the most popular modalities in the massage and spa field today. This workshop will introduce you to the “magic” of the stones... simple tools that are profoundly healing when used with care and proper intention. You’ll learn how to integrate the stones into your existing practice with ease, providing effects and therapeutic benefits your clients will love!
Many ancient traditions have relied upon the healing properties of hot stones -- from American Indian sweat lodges, to the Chinese practice of laying stones on areas of tension in the body. From a modern scientific perspective, the effects of heat have been proven to release hypertonic muscles, trigger a parasympathetic (relaxation) response in the nervous system and restore fluidity to the connective tissues and joints.
The use of hot stones provides a very soothing and penetrating way of applying heat to the body. They can be placed directly on energy centers and key areas of holding during a massage, as well as used to deliver gliding strokes with the hands. Deeper and more specific work can also be accomplished easily with the stones, saving your thumbs and wrists from undue strain. Discover how the stones can add more creativity and life to your touch therapy practice!
NOTE: Participants will be required to have or purchase their own set of stones and heating device -- a list of suppliers will be sent with registration.
John McKelvey has a master’s degree in geology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a bachelor’s degree in natural resources from the University of the South (Tennessee). He is BTI graduate and faculty member, NC Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist (#1592), Nationally Certified, ABMP member, a graduate of The Spirit of Learning® Teacher Certification Program, and is certified in Kinesis Myofascial Integration. John has a private practice in Chapel Hill, NC, and presents workshops nationally for iMassage, Inc.